Gyeongdeok of Silla
Appearance
Gyeongdeok of Silla | |
Hangul | 경덕왕 |
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Hanja | 景德王 |
Revised Romanization | Gyeongdeok Wang |
McCune–Reischauer | Kyŏngdŏk Wang |
Birth name | |
Hangul | 김헌영 |
Hanja | 金憲英 |
Revised Romanization | Gim Heon-yeong |
McCune–Reischauer | Kim Hŏnyŏng |
Monarchs of Korea |
Silla |
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(Post-unification) |
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King Gyeongdeok of Silla was the 35th ruler who reigned from 742 to 765 over the kingdom of Silla. He is perhaps best known today for his efforts to encourage Buddhism.
The Bulguksa Temple was built by his orders in 751. He also built Seokguram Grotto, which also included Buddhist art. The grotto has features relevant to the pre-existing shamanistic religion as well. Lastly, he commissioned the Divine Bell of King Seongdeok, named for his father. This bell was finished after his own death during the reign of his son, King Hyegong. It is considered one of the finest examples of Buddhist art.